Love & Monarchy: A Dramatic Account of the Rise of a Queen

By Renae Richardson

It’s time for Bridgerton fans to prepare their crumpets and tea as the latest project, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, is set to be released on May 8th.

With its ultra-dramatic narrative of aristocratic families in London, England, the steamy 2020 release captivated eager viewers. Shonda Rhimes’s ability to make Julia Quinn’s novel into a fanciful and spell-binding odyssey on screen further solidified her impressive talent. While she had written shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, For The People, How to Get Away with Murder, and Station 19, this piece was a unique departure.

The Fasciation of Bridgerton

Chris Van Dusen’s and Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgerton was a stunning modern fairy tale. Through its picturesque set, stunning costuming design, and talented cast, Dusen won over audiences almost instantly. Aside from the aesthetics, viewers were smitten with the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) and Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor). It was like a historical soap opera on steroids. One simply couldn’t get enough; every episode was packed with drama. There was the classic tug and pull, “Will they or won’t they?” that held viewers to their seats, holding their breath. It was the classic episodic life support. If fans didn’t have enough tea, Lady Whistledon had enough for everyone.

Bridgerton Season 2

Bridgerton 2, the second chapter, was announced in December 2021 on Christmas Day. Three months later, March 25th marked the season premiere. With another love story unique from season 1, season 2 burrowed its way into the minds and hearts of viewers. Rhimes refocused the lens on another Bridgerton in season 2, this time the dashing Viscount (Jonathan Bailey) who has set his sights on active courtship. But it is a somewhat wayward pursuit. However, most often, wayward pursuits are driven by convenience or to keep up appearances and aren’t for love. Some of these stories often end in the most unexpected way. A most unexpected end this season delivers. As Hollywood Reporter notes, “it isn’t until the final moments of episode six in the eight-episode second season — mere minutes after Edwina calls off her and Anthony’s wedding — that Kate and the Viscount finally give in to their longing for one another.

Bridgerton Season 3 Onward

A third installment was rumored to be in the works as early as spring 2022, but filming began in July 2022. Despite rumors suggesting a release date, nobody has confirmed it. However, a prequel has been announced. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story was announced by Netflix in May 2021, one month after the third installment of the original series was announced. The Charlotte production began coming together much sooner than its announced predecessor, despite all the excitement over the continuation of the flagship series. And it became apparent that Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story would see release first.

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Queen Charlotte (Showstopper)

Although Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) never occupied the show’s center, her character did. She drew in as large a fan following as the young Viscount and his Paramore or Daphne and the Duke. It was a pleasure to watch Charlotte as the calm, cheeky, and amiable royal. While Daphne and Duke pleaded their intentions for a blessing for marriage on the basis of authentic love, Charlotte’s intensity heightened tensions. The drama was fueled by her insistence on having fun while playing around with the affairs surrounding the crowning of the gem and the young Viscount in the second season. Many fans watched for the romance and dramatic unfolding of a detailed account of the Bridgerton chronicles, while others watched for Queen Charlotte herself. It is that fan base that has the most to look forward to.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

The Charlotte feature will, of course, chronicle the young queen’s life and exploits as she comes into her position as the reigning monarch. Those familiar with Queen Charlotte’s life will know it was quite unconventional, far from ordinary. According to PBS Frontline, “Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), wife of the English King George III (1738-1820), was directly descended from Margarita de Castro y Sousa, a Black branch of the Portuguese royal house.” The roots of her genealogical descent are becoming more widely known, but she lived most of her life under the shadow of rumor. A mystery became full-blown propaganda when her phenotype was used for political purposes. According to PBS, ‘on this side of the Atlantic, the slogan “the Queen of England was a Negro woman” was weaponized by vice admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane to encourage enslaved people to defect.

While the upcoming series will not dig deep into her lineage, it will explore her blossoming relationship with King George. As Radio Time Notes, “As the narrative unfolds, a love story blossoms between the pair, sparking a societal shift and creating the Ton we’ve come to know and love in Bridgerton.” And, of course, fans will relish the shaping of the monarch, who sits proudly on the throne in seasons one and two of Bridgerton.

In anticipation of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, fans can soak in some excitement as the trailer gives them a taste of what to expect.